Gio Reyna Shines in USMNT Comeback Against Paraguay
CHESTER, Pennsylvania — After a lengthy absence, Gio Reyna made a significant return to the U.S. men’s national team during their 2-1 friendly victory over Paraguay on a chilly night in Pennsylvania. It had been 503 days since Reyna last started for the national side and 602 days since he had found the net for the team.
The match represented a pivotal moment for Reyna as he aimed to solidify his position for the upcoming World Cup. This goal came into play despite Reyna having only participated for 147 minutes with his club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, throughout the entire season.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino informed Reyna during training that he would be starting, and the midfielder quickly made a decisive impact in the fourth minute. Following a chaotic sequence during a U.S. corner, Reyna scored from a header off a cross from Max Arfsten.
Reyna also played a crucial role in the game-winning goal when his assist was deflected into the path of Folarin Balogun, who netted the second goal. Reyna’s first goal for the match marked his ninth at the international level, putting him ahead of his father Claudio Reyna in the U.S. all-time scoring charts.
“I didn’t even know how many goals I had,” Reyna admitted. “I was just happy to score and to be back. I sent a few texts teasing him after the game, but he was happy for me, so it’s nice.”
Despite a couple of defensive lapses, Reyna predominantly showcased his skills, completing numerous passes and demonstrating his ability to connect with teammates. Logging 75 minutes on the field, Reyna’s performance was his longest in an official match since later last year.
His challenges this season have stemmed from a thigh injury and adjusting to his new club setup. Despite recent struggles at the club level, Reyna praised the supportive environment at Gladbach, which helped him regain fitness and confidence.
“They’ve been fantastic in helping me get to full fitness, and slowly but surely, I feel I am getting there,” he said.
Reyna acknowledged that he still needs to prove himself regularly on the field, especially with several key players absent due to injury or strategic decisions by Pochettino. To maintain his role on the national team, consistency in performance will be essential moving forward.
With just 208 days until the World Cup, Reyna recognizes the urgency to make his mark. “I took this rare opportunity, and I think I impressed,” he stated, a sentiment echoed by Pochettino, who highlighted Reyna’s potential to improve with more club minutes.
The match itself was filled with intensity and hard-fought battles, reminiscent of the physical encounter against Uruguay in the previous year’s Copa America. The U.S. squad, demonstrating both grit and skill, pressed Paraguay throughout until their opponents couldn’t withstand the pressure any longer.
Tanner Tessmann and Brenden Aaronson were influential in shifting momentum towards the U.S., particularly during Balogun’s goal. Following that moment, intense physical exchanges occurred between players, culminating in a brief scuffle during stoppage time that resulted in a red card for Omar Alderete of Paraguay.
“There were a few cheap shots thrown from their end, but we stand up for each other as a team,” said U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Freese.
With this victory, the U.S. extended its unbeaten streak to four matches and continues to build momentum under Pochettino’s leadership. The team’s cohesion and understanding of Pochettino’s philosophy seem to grow stronger with each game.
“We are happy with the progress, but we must keep improving to be at our best for the World Cup,” Pochettino remarked.
Looking ahead, U.S. will face Uruguay again on Tuesday, and Reyna is eager to continue his strong form and prove he is back for good.
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